Cavalli Heartburn Pt 1 — Missax 24 06 11 Rachael

From the hallway, footsteps. Her husband, MARK (40s, handsome in a tired way, briefcase still in hand), stops at the kitchen entrance. He doesn’t step inside.

Finally, she types: The offer is ready. When can you come by?

He leaves. The front door closes softly, a coward’s exit. She stands there a long moment, then sinks onto a stool at the island. She pulls out her phone. Scrolls past photos of Chloe, past recipes saved for dinners she’ll never make, past a calendar full of couples therapy appointments she canceled. MissaX 24 06 11 Rachael Cavalli Heartburn Pt 1

“I talked to the real estate agent. The offer on the lake house—”

He exhales. Sets down his briefcase. Finally crosses the threshold, but keeps the island between them. From the hallway, footsteps

“You’re cooking.”

She sends it to her lawyer. Then sets the phone down, face against the cool marble, as the heartburn burns and burns and will not stop. Finally, she types: The offer is ready

“Rachael, we can’t keep both. You know that.”